Discover... New York state

Discover...
New York state
Discover...
New York state
New York City needs little introduction, but the state that is home
to this world renowned city is relatively undiscovered, and with a
huge array of attractions away from the bright lights and round the
clock activity of the city. The ‘Upstate’ experience has something for
everyone and some of the most dramatic places in the United States.
The 1000 Islands region offers endless shorelines, rich history and unique
culture along the shores of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.
Lighthouses, historic castles, maritime museums, trophy fishing and
diving, quaint villages and waterfront dining make the 1000 Islands a
destination that visitors come to again and again.
Just 90 minutes east of Niagara Falls, Rochester is your base for visits to
the nearby Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley regions. A haven for arts and
culture, the delights of the fall foliage and garden tours, plus the chance to
cruise, walk, run, bike or paddle the Erie Canal. Visit the Corning Museum
of Glass where you can explore glass from all perspectives through works
of art, stained glass, modern glass innovations and even make your own.
Experience Niagara Falls with a trip aboard the famous Maid of the Mist,
and a breath taking encounter on the Cave of the Winds tour. Explore the
oldest state park in the USA, then take the Whirlpool Jet Boat in Lewiston
through “class five” rapids. There’s so much to see and do in Niagara USA!
Spend a couple of nights in Buffalo to visit the Albright Knox Art Gallery
which has a magnificent collection of modern art, including works by
Leger and Picasso. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House and the
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.
Central New York is characterised by diverse cities and village charm.
Visit historic Revolutionary War sites, enjoy Broadway theatre, opera,
sports history at Baseball and Boxing Halls of Fame, exquisite B&Bs and
luxury hotels; entertainment at Vegas-style casinos, scenic railways, craft
breweries, distilleries, and farm tours.
See and do it all in New York state, whether it’s outdoor activities such as
hiking, biking, canoeing, rafting, golf or skiing; sightseeing at some of the
magnificent mansions on the Hudson River or enjoying the view at Niagara
Falls or in the Adirondack Mountains; sampling culinary delights or some
of the region’s fine wines you will find plenty to fill a two week holiday or as
a shorter add-on to a New York City break.
It is a year round destination with great weather, lake beaches and outdoor
activities in the summer, fabulous Autumn colours in September and
October, Spring flowers in late April and May, and plenty of snow in the
winter for skiing and other winter activities.
We have put together the following holiday ideas to give you a sense of
what you can see and do in New York state.
Make the most of your New York state holiday:
When to visit
New York state has a cool temperate climate fairly similar to the UK, with warm summers, cold winters with snow in some areas.
New York state is great at any time of the year and there is always something happening with exhibitions and events going on.
Late spring, summer and autumn are all good months to travel whether you are looking for blossoms and buds in spring, long warm summer days, or fall foliage and festivals.
Getting there
There are daily direct flights from London Heathrow to JFK and Newark airports and from Manchester and Glasgow to Newark. Hiring a
car is a great way to explore all the state has to offer or, for those that prefer not to drive, Amtrak trains and various buses will also take
you around various parts of the state. You do not need a car in the city. We have competitive car hire rates and a wide range of vehicles.
Places to stay We have access to properties all over New York state some of which are featured on our website at www.americaasyoulikeit.com.
We have carefully selected some unique small inns and boutique and historic hotels which offer great personal service and local flavour, and are ideal if you are looking for something special. These properties will give you a different experience in every location and a truly unique stay.
Book online at www.americaasyoulikeit.com or call 020 8742 8299
The Wonders of Upstate New York
(12 nights)
Prices from £1228 per person, including flights, car hire and accommodation
New York state has it all, treasures and highlights and great places in between. This unique journey
takes you along roads less travelled and allows you to savour the fantastic landscape of the Empire State.
Day 1
New York to Hudson Valley, approx. 90 miles.
Ever since Henry Hudson came to call in 1609, the Hudson River Valley has been
welcoming visitors to its spectacular landscapes. In the Lower Hudson Valley rugged
hills rise nearly 1,000 feet above the river, where magnificent mansions perch on top.
By the time the river reaches the upper valley, the landscape smoothes out a bit, yet
the views are still as spectacular. Farms and estates occupied by the same families
for centuries span the river banks. Overnight in Hudson Valley in either Rhinebeck or
Fishkill.
Day 2
Hudson Valley to Saratoga Springs, approx. 120 miles.
Known in the 21st century for horse racing, this area has been welcoming visitors to
the mineral springs since the 14th century when Native Americans discovered the
healing powers of the waters. Soon, Saratoga Springs became a watering hole for the
rich and famous, referred to by many as the Queen of Spas. There is an interesting
visitor centre in the Saratoga National Historical Park, overlooking the Hudson Valley.
Overnight in Saratoga Springs.
Day 3
Saratoga Springs to Lake George, approx. 30 miles.
Begin your journey into the natural paradise of the Adirondacks. Noted for its
sparkling lakes, majestic mountains and rushing streams, the Lake George region is
the perfect place to get in tune with the outdoors, whether your preference is serene
or extreme. The area is also well known for its history and heritage. Overnight in
Lake George.
Day 4
Lake George to Lake Placid, approx. 80 miles.
Continue your discovery of the Adirondack Mountains, which witnessed the building
of America when lumberjacks, miners and armies from France, Britain and Colonial
America each had their impact on the region. Physicians later sent their patients to
recover in the clear, mountain air. If you love the outdoors, 160 lakes and ponds with
endless miles of trails await. In between, you’ll discover historic villages, intimate
dining, museums, galleries and antiques. Stay for two nights in Lake Placid.
Day 5
Set amidst the High Peaks of New York’s Adirondacks and surrounded
by abundant lakes, rivers and forests, Lake Placid has been the focus of the world
twice during the 1932 and the 1980 Olympics. If you want to be active, you can hike
miles of trails through Adirondack Park, you can raft the rivers, go fly fishing, bungee
jumping, horseback riding, mountain climbing, backpacking, or bicycling. If you’d
rather explore at a more leisurely pace, pick up an Olympic Sites Passport and take
a ski gondola to the top of one of the mountains, check out the galleries, boutiques,
glass blowers and other shops, visit the Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center or
meander over to Saranac Lake.
Day 6 Lake Placid to 1000 Islands,
approx. 135 miles.
It will look as though Disney decided to create a
kingdom in the middle of a river. And Disney could
not have done a better job than the 1000 islands
that dot the St. Lawrence. Castles perched above the
sparkling water of the river create an enchantment
in this very beautiful and less travelled part of
Upstate New York that is not found elsewhere in the
state. Overnight in the 1000 Islands area.
Day 7
1000 Islands to Central/Southern
Finger Lakes, approx. 155 miles.
Why not experience the Cayuga Wine Trail, a
collection of 27 wineries which surround the
sapphire waters of Cayuga Lake or the Seneca Lake Wine Trail which has even
more wineries to choose from. Overnight in Ithaca.
Day 8
Southern Finger Lakes to Northern Finger Lakes, approx. 45 miles.
When you reach the Finger Lakes region, try to make as many of the “must-sees”
as possible. Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, covers
14,000 acres along the majestic Genesee River. World-renowned chefs and famous
winemakers come together to share their secrets at the New York Wine and Culinary
Center, located in Canandaigua. The Strong National Museum of Play has fun for all
ages. Overnight in the Northern Finger Lakes in Geneva.
Day 9
Northern Finger Lakes to Rochester, approx. 45 miles.
Just a short distance from the Finger Lakes, Rochester is a great blend of the old
and the new, the cultural and the industrial, built-up environment and natural beauty
and very interesting history. Visit the Museum of Photography & Film at the George
Eastman House (founder of Kodak). Overnight in Rochester.
Days 10 & 11
Rochester to Niagara Falls, approx. 85 miles.
Even repeat visitors to Niagara Falls thrill to the thunder and roar as six million cubic
feet of water falls over the rocks every minute. Join the millions of travellers who
every year are awed by the sights and sounds of magnificent Niagara Falls and don’t
miss the illumination at night! Spend two nights in Niagara Falls. Or spend two
nights in Buffalo and visit Niagara Falls for a full day. This will give you time to enjoy
the museums, history and architecture of Buffalo, take a walking food tour or a boat
cruise on Lake Erie.
Day 12 Niagara Falls to Corning, approx. 145 miles.
Along the way you have the option to
visit Watkins Glen State Park where a
descending stream cascades 400 feet
down past 200 foot high cliffs.
If you don’t have time to visit anything else
today, don’t pass up the Corning Museum
of Glass where you can explore glass
from all perspectives through works of art,
stained glass, modern glass innovations
and even make your own. Overnight in
Corning.
Day 13 Corning to New York,
approx. 250 miles. Either head back
to the airport today for your flight
home, or spend a few nights in
New York City.
Wine Trails and Waterways
of New York state
(7 nights)
Prices from £875 per person, including flights, car hire and
accommodation
Our Wine Trails and Waterways of New York state takes some of the state’s
best wineries, along with the Hudson Valley, and its marvellous mansions,
Lake Ontario and the thundering Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Rochester and the
Erie Canal with its bike trails, canal front parks and locks, along with the
beautiful Finger Lakes. The right combination of climate and geography
makes New York perfect for growing grapes and more than 35 different
varieties can be found across the state. The popularity of the wine is
growing year on year and this holiday will allow you to sample some of the
best there is on offer.
Day 1
Arrive in New York and drive to the Hudson Valley, approx. 90 miles.
Farms and estates occupied by the same families for centuries span the banks of the
Hudson River and the area boasts some great local produce in addition to its wines.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the area’s fishing, mountain biking, hiking and
canoeing. Stay for two night in either Rhinebeck or Fishkill.
Day 2
Travel the Shawangunk Wine Trail and visit some of the eleven wineries
which follow the tradition of the early French Huguenot settlers who brought their
wine making expertise to this valley over 300 years ago.
Day 3 Travel the Hudson Valley to Rochester, approx. 300 miles.
Continue up the Hudson Valley to Albany and follow the route of the Erie Canal to
Rochester. This city is a great blend of the old and new. Don’t miss the International
Museum of Photography and Film at the George Eastman House, the live music
venues in the downtown area or the many historic sites dedicated to women’s rights.
There are plenty of things to see and do along the Erie Canal, with hiking and biking
trails, boat trips or kayaking. Stay one night in Rochester.
Day 4
Rochester to Niagara Falls, approx. 80 miles.
Drive along the Seaway Trail to the splendid Niagara Falls, where you will spend the
next two nights. Enjoy the thrills of the Falls either from land or water, and don’t miss
the illuminations at night.
Day 5
The Niagara Falls area is dotted with wineries and you can follow the
Wine Trail which combines award-wining wineries with sleepy back road driving.
Alternatively visit Buffalo and the Albright Knox Art Gallery, which has a magnificent
collection of modern art including works by Leger and Picasso to name but a few.
Spend some time at Canalside to see the original Erie Canal or visit the Frank Lloyd
Wright Darwin Martin House which is a must see, as is the Theodore Roosevelt
Inaugural National Historic Site.
Day 6
Niagara Falls to the Finger Lakes, approx. 125 miles.
Drive to the Finger Lakes regions and stay two nights in Geneva. The lakes offer
stunning scenery and state parks – Letchworth State Park and Watkins Glen
State Park, as well as great wine trails such as the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the
Canandaigua Wine Trail.
Day 7
Sample some more great wines at one of the many wineries or enjoy a boat
trip on one of the lakes. There is unique local shopping as well as great restaurants
combining the best local ingredients with some of the area’s favourite wines. Make
sure you visit the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua. From here you
could also take a drive to the Corning Museum of Glass where you can explore glass
from all perspectives and even make your own.
Finger Lakes to New York City, approx. 280 miles.
Day 8
Take a scenic drive back to New York and drop off your car, before your flight back to
the UK, or spend some nights in New York City.
New York and the Finger Lakes
(13 Nights)
Prices from £1375 per person including flights, car hire and
accommodation
Day 1 Fly to Buffalo.
Spend three nights in Buffalo. Buffalo is a very eclectic city with much to offer the visitor
– for art lovers the Albright Knox Art Gallery has one of the most outstanding modern and
contemporary collections in the world. Whilst in contemporary mode, the Frank Lloyd
Wright Darwin Martin House is an absolute must – the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright
is displayed nowhere better than in this beautiful home and finally tour the Theodore
Roosevelt Inaugural and National Historic Site where you can experience Theodore
Roosevelt’s unusual 1901 inauguration. With a combination of historically restored rooms
and interactive exhibits, you’ll feel as if you are part of the events of that fateful September,
while gaining a new perspective on the issues Roosevelt faced during his presidency.
Days 2 & 3 Niagara Falls and Buffalo
A trip to this part of New York state would not be complete without a visit to Niagara Falls
where 3,160 tons of water roar over the precipice every second. The Maid of the Mist boat
tour is not to be missed for beautiful views of the Falls.
The Cave of the Winds Tour takes visitors face-to-face with the Bridal Veil Falls to
experience its crushing might. While the Whirlpool Jet Boat tour is a high-speed
adrenaline-fuelled trip upriver into the Niagara Gorge, through the Devil’s Hole Rapids
and right to the edge of the whirlpool.
Days 4 Niagara Falls to the Finger Lakes, approx.110 miles.
Drive to the vine steeped slopes of the Finger Lakes and enjoy two days touring, wine
tasting, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and swimming in the lakes. Visit the small towns with
the clapboard cottages, delightful restaurants and old fashioned ice cream parlours. Stay
for two nights at Geneva on the Lake.
Day 6
Finger Lakes to Cooperstown, approx. 140 miles.
Visit the Farmers’ Museum, perhaps one of the few remaining places in America where
you can truly “step back in time.” Fenimore Art Museum is one of the nations premier art
institutions, showcasing a diverse display of genres ranging from 20th century American
art, to traditional American Indian art. Don’t miss Brewery Ommegang, one of America’s
most innovative craft breweries, sample Belgian-style brews at this beautiful farmstead
brewery or head to Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard and taste your way through over
40 speciality food products. Stay for two nights in Cooperstown.
Day 8
Cooperstown to the Catskills, approx. 80 miles.
Driving through the Catskills provides wonderful photo opportunities – beautiful mountain
scenery, wildlife, bright blue waters and country farms. Enjoy numerous outdoor activities
– some of the world’s best fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking or just relax in the
fresh air. Stay for three nights in Beaverkill.
Day 11 The Catskills to New York City, approx. 200 miles.
Days 12 &13 New York City
Day 14 Head to the airport for your flight home.
Long Island, Hudson Valley, Central New York State
& the Catskills
(13 Nights)
Prices from £1295 per person, including flights, car hire and
accommodation
Day 1
Arrive in New York, pick up your car and drive to Long Island,
approx. 15 miles.
The north shore is known as the Gold Coast from the early 20th century when
magnificent estates were built for the Chryslers and Roosevelt’s. Many are now open
to the public. Continuing farther east is the North Fork, known for fishing and quaint
villages, farms and wineries. Spend four nights in Long Beach.
Days 2, 3 & 4 Enjoy some of Long Island’s beaches and visit Westbury Gardens
in one of the many historic Gold Coast mansions. Oheka Castle, which inspired
F. Scott Fitzgerald to write the Great Gatsby, is now a luxury hotel and a great stop for
lunch. Do not forget the Cradle of Aviation Museum, home to many of the first aircraft
ever flown.
The South Shore of Long Island is home to the Hamptons, a well known playground
for the rich and famous. Long Island has many lighthouses along its shores and one
of the most famous is Montauk Lighthouse on the eastern tip. Montauk is a fishing
village that is becoming a hip spot to visit – locals will greet you and you might catch
a glimpse of a movie star as well! Fire Island National Seashore is accessible by
bridge and ferry. There are over 30 wineries just waiting to be explored and savoured.
Day 5
Long Island to Poughkeepsie, approx. 105 miles.
It’s a bit surreal; the number of castles of every shape and size perched along the
banks of the Hudson River. In some places, dramatic palisades drop 1,000 feet
straight to the water. In other locations, lush landscapes gently roll to the waters edge.
Industrial magnates, such as the Rockefellers and the Goulds built their magnificent
homes here and they are now open to the public. Spend three nights exploring these
wonderful mansions staying in either Rhinebeck or Fishkill.
Days 6 & 7 Spend the day at Springwood, the family home of Franklin D.
Roosevelt, at Hyde Park together with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum.
The National Park Service has retained 300 acres of the original expansive farm which
are now open for strolling and there is a great visitor centre which details the lives
and work of both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Other houses worth visiting are the
Vanderbilt Mansion, the Rockefellers’ Kykuit and the Boscobel Restoration.
For those interested in military history there is the United States Military Academy at
West Point, the oldest military academy in the country. Walk the paths of Generals
and presidents as you trace the footsteps of America’s great leaders. Guided tours
leave daily from the West Point Visitor Center, and the museum shows cadet life as it
has been lived over the past 200 years.
Other places to visit:
• Village of Nyack, a sleepy Victorian town filled with intriguing shops and
restaurants. Try international cuisine, off-Broadway theatre, shops, galleries,
antiques, and a gorgeous view of the Hudson River.
• The Culinary Institute of America – take a tour of the college and enjoy lunch or
dinner in one of the restaurants.
Day 8 Poughkeepsie to Albany, approx. 95 miles.
Albany is the New York state capital and one of the most European looking cities in
the United States. Much of the massive, robust 19th and early 20th century architecture
is well preserved, giving the city a very walkable, detailed and interesting pedestrian
landscape. Visit New Paltz where original stone houses flank the oldest street in
America. Overnight in Albany.
Day 9 Albany to Utica, approx. 105 miles.
On your way stop at Howes Cave and enjoy a trip into the caverns before continuing
to Rome and Utica. Explore the legendary Erie Canal aboard the Little Diamond III for
a narrated historic cruise and lock tour, or dinner cruise with Erie Canal Cruises from
the Herkimer Marina. Take a tour of the FX Matt Brewing Company, and sample pints
of their award-winning Saranac beers in the 1888 Tavern. Stroll down the block to the
Adirondack Distilling Company for a sample of their ADK Vodka. Stay for three nights
in Utica.
Days 10 & 11Explore the majestic Adirondack Mountains with a scenic train
ride aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Take the Wine & Beer Train or a Fall
foliage excursion (September/October) with a stopover in Old Forge for shopping!
Connoisseurs of art will revel in the collections housed at Munson-Williams-Proctor
Museum of Art and Fountain Elms, an 1850 Italianate mansion which has been
restored as a showcase for the finest in Victorian-era decorative arts. Walk in the
footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes and Native American Indians at Fort Stanwix
National Monument in the heart of downtown Rome. Just a short drive from Rome
you will find two miles of sandy beaches along the eastern shore of Oneida Lake, an
authentic Coney Island-style amusement park, locally-owned restaurants, and a laid
back beachfront atmosphere.
Day 12 Utica to the Catskills, approx, 120 miles.
Stop en-route in Cooperstown, small town Americana at its very best. Driving through
the Catskills provides wonderful photo opportunities – beautiful mountain scenery,
wildlife, bright blue waters and country farms. Enjoy the numerous outdoor activities –
some of the world’s best fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking or just relax in the
fresh air. Stay for two nights in Beaverkill.
Day 14 The Catskills to New York, approx. 200 miles.
Drop off your car in time for your flight to the UK.
Utica, Rome, Verona & Sylvan Beach… Oneida County, Central New York’s
Getaway Region
Enjoy family fun in the sun at Sylvan Beach and Verona Beach State Park on the shores of Oneida
Lake. Walk on the wild side at Utica Zoo and Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo. See Broadway at
Utica’s historic Stanley Theatre or perfect your swing at 29 golf courses! Tour Saranac Brewery, ride
the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, cruise the Erie Canal, view 25,000 works of art at Munson-WilliamsProctor Museum of Art. Relive history at Fort Stanwix National Monument and Oriskany Battlefield.
Turning Stone Casino Resort provides Vegas-style gaming and entertainment, championship golf and
luxury spas. Vernon Downs Casino Hotel offers gaming and live harness racing. Savor the flavors of
Italian, Lebanese, Mediterranean, Asian, Bosnian, and German cuisine! www.theGetawayRegion.com
Dutchess County, Hudson Valley Region
Explore the scenic Hudson Valley, extending 150 miles above Manhattan north to Albany. A National
Heritage Area, it’s steeped in history, natural beauty, arts and culture, and a flourishing food and
farmers’ market scene. Tour the historic Great Estates and US Military Academy at West Point.
Stroll Storm King Arts Center, Dia:Beacon and Katonah. Sail, cruise and paddle the Hudson or try
whitewater rafting. Climb the Shawangunks, hike the Appalachian Trail or bike the Rail Trails. Visit
distilleries, brewpubs and wineries and savour dining at the Culinary Institute of America and the
fine restaurants where their graduates are chefs. Tee off at an award winning golf course or relax at
Mohonk Mountain House and other B&Bs. www.DutchessTourism.com
Buffalo
Buffalo is a city alive with things to do and discover with Niagara Falls just a 20 minute drive away!
See one of the world’s most impressive collections of modern and contemporary art at the AlbrightKnox Art Gallery. Then explore some of the finest architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Learn about the city’s proud history of shipping along Lake Erie and the Erie Canal. Take in a show
at one of the many theatres anchored by the Tiffany-designed Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which
hosts an annual Broadway Series or a concert by the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic
Orchestra. The city is home to the Buffalo chicken wing and food lovers can enjoy some of the 400
independently-owned restaurants. Shoppers will find everything from hip boutiques in Buffalo’s
trendy Elmwood Village, Allentown and Hertel neighbourhoods to major department stores at a
number of local shopping centres, outlets and malls. www.visitbuffaloniagara.com
Niagara Falls
Come and enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara USA. Truly experience Niagara Falls while riding
aboard the world famous Maid of the Mist boat ride. Feel the power as you take the Cave of the
Winds adventure and come face to face with the pounding waters of the Bridal Veil Falls; a mere
3 metres away from you! We also have award winning wineries featuring ice wines, sparkling, red
and white wines. For a fantastic way to learn about some of our history, see some of the hiking trails
in the Niagara Gorge and have an amazing, exhilarating experience… try the Whirlpool Jet Boat ride
while powering through class V rapids! There is something for everyone when you visit Niagara USA.
www.niagara-usa.com
Wine, Water & Wonders
Rochester is gateway to the Finger Lakes and a great base to enjoy the Wine, Water and Wonders of
Upstate New York. You’ll travel between New York City and Niagara Falls USA and remember it for
a lifetime. There are splendid sites to see, roads to travel and great places to explore. Travel experts
around the world agree that Upstate New York is America the way every visitor should experience
it. Small villages beckon. Cities offer abundant cultural treasures. Diverse and unique shopping
is always nearby. Beautiful landscapes, regional foods, wine, beer and spirits call your name.
Beautiful lakes, historic canals and world famous waterfalls await. All within an easy, affordable and
unforgettable holiday. www.winewaterwonders.com
2 Oxford House, 24 Oxford Road North, London W4 4DH
Tel: (020) 8742 8299 Fax: (020) 8747 4331
e-mail: [email protected] www.americaasyoulikeit.com
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